France will be remembered as the 2018 World Cup winners, but for large parts of Sunday's final at Luzhniki Stadium, it was Croatia who were the dominant team, the 4-2 scoreline somewhat flattering the champions.

In France's third World Cup final, Didier Deschamps' team were clinical in taking their chances, allowing them to depart Russia with the country's second world title after a superb tournament in which they went unbeaten.

Les Bleus' first goal was credited to Croatia's Mario Mandzukic after he helped an Antoine Griezmann free kick past his own goalkeeper, but Croatia drew level through an Ivan Perisic beauty. Perisic, however, went from hero to zero when he handled in the box and gifted Griezmann France's second from the penalty spot.

Second half strikes from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe were enough to ensure even a Hugo Lloris goalkeeping blunder, capitalized on by Mandzukic, kept France ahead.

"I don't really realize yet what this is," said Griezmann. "The World Cup it is a lot, I am very proud of this team and of the players and the staff."

"We were really united group...thanks to this strength we did something incredible, we marked history and we are going to enjoy it."

"Tonight we are going to see our families, we are going to party, and tomorrow in France we are going to party with all the French people."

(Griezmann steers home from the penalty spot)

Croatia came into the match having played 90 minutes more than their opponents after three extra-time knockout matches and as firm underdogs, but throughout the final they showed the grit that had got the Balkan nation of just over 4 million this far.

Collective effort had been Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic's mantra, and on Sunday, it was more of the same. Perisic, the tireless Golden Ball winner Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic stood apart.

"I have to congratulate my players, this was maybe the best game we played in this championship," said Dalic. "We controlled the match, but we conceded and against such a strong side like France you must not make mistakes."

"We are a bit sad, but we have to be proud also of what we have done."

The first goal could not have been more against the run of play.

Griezmann was awarded a questionable free kick when Marcelo Brozovic brushed him to the grass, and when the French No. 7 swung the ball in, it was Mandzukic who rose, lifting the ball towards goal and over the outstretched arm of keeper Danijel Subasic.

Mandzukic now has the ignominy of being the first player to score an own goal in a World Cup final, according to Gracenote Sports.

Despite going behind, Croatia kept the momentum they had built and it paid off when Perisic brought them level.

The ball fell to the Inter Milan striker at the edge of the box, he worked the ball onto his left foot and smoked a spectacular shot past Lloris who was left a spectator.

(Perisic levels for Croatia)

Perisic gave the goal back five minutes later when Argentinian referee Nestor Pitana went pitchside to take a second look at an unlucky handball.

The 29-year-old's hand went toward the ball after a France corner, and at this VAR-impacted tournament, that meant a penalty was on the way.

Griezmann did the deed for France, sending penalty specialist Subasic the wrong way as he slotted low left.

The penalty was France's only shot of the half, and it sent them into the break 2-1 up.

Pogba's goal came in the 59th minute when he was teed up by Griezmann. His first shot was well blocked but he struck the rebound with the outside of his right boot and it flew in as Subasic crumpled.

Six minutes later, Mbappe, who was born 161 days after France won the title in 1998, blasted in his team's fourth.

Now the third-youngest World Cup final goalscorer, the 19-year-old Paris Saint-Germain speedster blasted the ball in from in front after being set up by Lucas Hernandez.

In a perfect demonstration of the never-say-die attitude displayed throughout the tournament by Croatia, Mandzukic gave Croatia hope.

The Juventus player took advantage of some sloppy goalkeeping by French captain Lloris, guessing correctly when he attempted to put a pass square, cutting the ball off and first-timing it in.

But despite seemingly limitless late-game desperation efforts by Croatia, the class and poise of France carried them to the title.

(Perisic levels for Croatia)